Sleep data chain of custody

ABSTRACT

A wearable device includes one or more biometric sensors, each of the one or more biometric sensors gathering biological data from a wearer of the wearable device, the wearable device further having a computer processor for receiving the biological data from the one or more biometric sensors and generating biometric information based on the biological data and according one or more biometrical algorithms, the biometric information including validation information to validate the wearer as a source of the biological data gathered by each of the one or more sensors, the biometric information further including sleep information to provide a sleep profile of the wearer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/037,536 filed on Aug. 14, 2014, titled, “SleepData Chain of Custody”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

This document is related to sleep monitoring/tracking, and moreparticularly to a system and method for establishing manageable,verifiable and accurate chain of custody for sleep monitoring/trackingdata.

Establishing such chain of custody for sleep regulation is crucial asmandated rest periods for employees become more common. Rest periodsfall into three primary categories: those that are required by law;those that are not yet required by law but are garnering public supportfor implementation (for example, for physicians and other health careworkers); and those that employers electively require to promote saferworkplaces.

Thus far, increased monitoring/tracking of sleep has proven successful.For example, in the decade ending in 2011 in the trucking industry,large truck crashes declined 26 percent from 5,111 to 3,757, because newsleep research showed that working long hours daily and weeklyeventually caused chronic fatigue, slow reaction times and reducedability to assess situations, including personal fatigue levels. Asanother example, in 2010 and 2011, federal agencies tightenedregulations governing rest periods for both airline pilots and airtraffic controllers due to research supporting links between adequaterest and safety. Other transportation industries, including railroad andshipping groups, have voluntarily implemented better policies requiringadequate rest for workers. Some industry groups including the U.S.Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Accreditation Council forGraduate Medical Education, and the consumer-advocacy group PublicCitizen, have been or will be considering whether better sleep and/orrest requirements for health care workers might ultimately benefit bothprofessionals and patients.

Currently, there is no way to effectively monitor compliance with sleeprequirements (i.e., whether employees are actually taking mandatedrests.) This does not honor the spirit of the law, which is to promotesafer environments for workers and the public. It also makes assessingthe efficacy of these regulations difficult.

Some trucking companies have “electronic logs” situated near steeringwheels, which record when the motor is on or off, whether or not thetrucker is off-duty, and gas mileage. These devices prevent truckersfrom taking unauthorized short-cuts or driving over the speed limit, butthey do not track whether drivers are sleeping. In some instances, theyare also noisy and distracting.

Some professionals, for example, pilots and physicians, may be mandatedor requested to self-report fatigue, sleepiness or exhaustion. However,they may feel professionally pressured to underreport these experiences.Additionally, exhausted individuals may not be able to recognize theirown state of exhaustion.

What is needed is a more effective solution than self-reporting orelectronic logs.

SUMMARY

This document presents a wearable sleep tracking device that maintainschain of custody of sleep-related, and biometric data, which can includetime an individual is asleep and time the individual is awake or alert.The sleep tracking device can track a large number of data sources tomaintain and ascertain various compliance thresholds with one or moreconfigurable sleep-related regulations or requirements.

In one aspect, a wearable device includes one or more biometric sensors.Each of the one or more biometric sensors to gathering biological datafrom a wearer of the wearable device, the wearable device further havinga computer processor for receiving the biological data from the one ormore biometric sensors and generating biometric information based on thebiological data and according one or more biometrical algorithms. Thebiometric information includes validation information to validate thewearer as a source of the biological data gathered by each of the one ormore sensors. In some implementations, the biometric informationincludes sleep information to provide or generate a sleep profile of thewearer.

In some aspects, a system can further include a transceiver coupled withthe wearable device, the transceiver for transmitting the biometricinformation as a digital signal to one or more web servers via acommunications network. The system can further include a chain ofcustody engine associated with the wearable device, the chain of custodyengine to provide a chain of custody validation for the biometricinformation from the wearer to the one or more web servers.

In other aspects, A computer-implemented method includes the steps ofgathering, by one or more biological sensors of a wearable device,biological data from a wearer of the wearable device, and generatingbiometric information by a computer processor of the wearable devicebased on the biological data and according one or more biometricalalgorithms. The biometric information includes validation information tovalidate the wearer as a source of the biological data gathered by eachof the one or more sensors, the biometric information further includingsleep information to provide a sleep profile of the wearer. The methodfurther includes transmitting, by a transceiver coupled with thewearable device, the biometric information to one or more web serversvia a communications network. The method further includes maintaining,by the computer processor, a chain of custody of the biometricinformation from the wearer to the one or more web servers.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects will now be described in detail with referenceto the following drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wearable sleep tracking device and its componentparts.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wearable sleep tracking device andsystem.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document describes a wearable sleep tracking device that gathersbiometric information from a wearer, and that maintains chain of custodyof sleep-related data generated from the biometric information.

The broad definition of chain of custody is considered as establishingthe identity and integrity of physical evidence by tracing itscontinuous whereabouts. In the case of wearable sleep tracking devices,identity refers to the person whose rest was being monitored; forexample, a truck driver, pilot, air traffic controller, or physician.Although the “evidence” collected and transmitted refers to physicalquantities; for example, heart rate and other biometrics, here“integrity” refers to the direct and accurate relationship between thebiometric data collected and the user. The chain of custody ascertainsthat the biometric data belongs to the user, throughout the datacollection, transmission and aggregation processes. The data's“whereabouts” would be continuously monitored, user-tagged, assessed andstored in an impermeable loop between wearer and end-user.

The wearable sleep tracking device is configured to transfer data fromthe wearer to a centralized data aggregation and processing system.Examples of data might include actigraphy, GPS coordinates, time worn,and biometric data such as heart rate, EKG readings, skin temperature,and skin galvanic response. Thus, the wearable sleep tracking device cantransmit data to a mobile phone or other intermediary device, which thentransmits the data with or without processing via Internet pathways(wireless or otherwise) to a central server. In alternativeimplementations, the wearable sleep tracking device can include atransceiver for direct data transfer from the wearer to the centralserver. The central server traffics the data to a supervisor terminal orother consumption system.

In some implementations, the wearable sleep tracking device includes atleast one sensor that is always in contact with the wearer, such as onthe underside of a band, such that at random or programmed intervals thesensor takes a biometric reading to confirm that the authenticated useris wearing the device. This chain of custody confirmation can then bemapped by a computer with other data (GPS, timestamp, etc.) to determineif the wearer is in compliance. The ability to take a biometric readingwithout user interaction, such as requiring a wearer to touch a sensor,is important to validate chain of custody of the data collected and/ortransferred by the wearable sleep tracking device while the wearer isasleep.

When the wearable sleep tracking device is unable to communicate to thecentral server, it will store any captured data locally for a period oftime, until the next time it re-connects with the central server.Further, when the wearable sleep tracking device is not able tocommunicate directly to the centralized system, it communicates througha connected intermediary; i.e., a smartphone. This centralized systemwill analyze the data and provide data, information, and alerts toend-users. The chain of custody enables end-users to draw direct,accurate inferences regarding the wearer's episodic and/or accumulatedrest patterns to ensure safety and legal compliancy. End-users includethe wearer of the sleep tracking device, supervisors, regulatoryagencies, etc.

In accordance with some preferred implementations, a device formaintaining chain of custody is a tamper-proof seal, akin to a locksnap. Physically this may employ the same technology as a plasticwristband: waterproof, lightweight, stretch-resistant, durablewristbands that lock into place with permanent locking snaps. Thelocking snap maintains chain of custody by assuring wearer connectionwith the sleep tracking device. If the wearer attempts to tamper withthe device for removal or unauthorized transfer to another wearer (forexample, a passenger in the vehicle) the tamper-proof seal would break.

For best compliance, the tamper-proof seal is preferably applied andmonitored manually. This could introduce problems of inefficiency andmanageability, requiring person-to-person examination of thetamper-proof seal for signs of damage. Given the physical effort thatcould be involved in some industries (for example, trucking) wearerswith broken seals could make the plausible argument that the appearanceof tampering, or a broken or missing lock, happened by accident.Applying, monitoring, repairing and replacing tamper-proof seals can betime-consuming and subject to human error.

While managed employees are subject to the company mandates andrequirements provided by employers, independent contractors are notnecessarily subject to these same requirements or may not beindependently motivated to comply by applying tamper-proof seals. Thiscreates issues of accountability, compared to managed employees.Tamper-proof seals interfere with functions related to rechargingdevices, or switching devices. (For example, an independently contractedtrucker may ferry a container for one company on an outbound trip, butanother company on the return trip. This makes tracking devices andusers, and maintaining the chain of custody, a difficult task thatbecomes vulnerable to security breaches or data compromise.

Tamper-proof seals can be physically uncomfortable or distracting fordrivers. Plastic wristbands and locking snaps are not designed forlong-term use; most wearers limit use to hours or an evening; forexample, a theme park or music concert. The cumbersome design couldbecome irritating on long-distance trips because of shape, texture andother factors. Tamper-proof seals might potentially suggest a lack oftrust between an employer and driver, resulting in the psychologicalfactor of increased resentment at the notion of always being tracked.This could decrease wearer buy-in for the program, since the seal offersno compensatory benefits.

Accordingly, in some alternative implementations of a device formaintaining chain of custody, heartbeat and ECG information from awearable device are used to authenticate that the data stream is comingfrom a specific user. Heartbeat authentication functions the waytraditional fingerprinting functions: an individual's unique heartbeatpattern can provide positive identification. Heartbeats can securelycommunicate a wearer's identity to devices, including wearable devices.Cardiac rhythms function as smart passwords, wirelessly transmittingidentity to wireless devices.

In some implementations, wearers place a finger on the device's topsensor, and allow their wrist to contact with the device's bottomsensor, completing an electrical circuit. The device alerts wearers thanan electrical circuit has been completed by vibrating and illuminatingLEDs. Wearers remain “authenticated” until the device is removed. Insome cases, a “three factor security system” helps maintain the chain ofcustody. The system requires three factors present to complete thepositive ID loop: a) the heartbeat tracking device b) the uniqueheartbeat and c) a third device, such as a smartphone, registered to thedevice application.

This concept combines heartbeat and ECG sensor and software with sleeptracking sensors and software available in existing consumer fitness andsleep trackers. The device's sensor and software maintains positiveidentification of the wearer, assuring that the wearer remains the samethroughout data collection, transmission, and aggregation. The devicecan be removed for comfort, or during non-working hours. Further, thedevice can re-establish chain of custody through biometricauthentication solely by the wearer.

Sleep tracking sensors and software monitor the wearer to determineperiods of activity and rest. Data for body temperature, heart rate,movement and other factors can be assessed for indicators of adequaterest or sleep. If the sleep tracking and chain of custody data stream istied to a GPS data stream (i.e., from a smartphone) then it can beinferred that the wearer of the device is at a specific location, withina margin of error (+/−30 feet) if the device is connected to the GPS viaBluetooth. The system can dynamically, in real time, respond to changesin location information and update or alert the supervisors asappropriate.

In some implementations, an exception can be made for when the wearerleaves the planned route/corridor can be preprogrammed into the system,or dynamically updated through human interaction. For example, alertscan be sent if the wearer leaves the preset route, or conversely, thetracking can be switched off if the wearer leaves the route.

This process can track mandated rest periods, and determine if the useris driving or not. In some implementations, an algorithm used by thewearable sleep tracking device is configured to determine betweensustained driving versus in-town commuting. The system can switch off asneeded or desired to accommodate truckers who are still wearing thedevice but no longer require the supervision or management of employersor regulatory agencies.

In accordance with the disclosure herein, a wearable sleep trackingdevice can maintain public safety by ensuring that regulated employees,such as truckers, pilots and air traffic controllers, receive themandated rest periods required by federal agencies. The device andsystem can calculate metrics and values in a repeatable and automatedmatter to ascertain characteristics associated with sleep and rest.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wearable sleep tracking device 100, which isconfigured to be worn, attached to, or otherwise affixed to a part of awearer's anatomy. The sleep tracking device 100 in FIG. 1 is shown as abracelet or ankle cuff, but can be any type of attachable or wearablestructure. The sleep tracking device 100 includes an input/output module102 that can contain a transceiver or other I/O port, a communicationsmodule 104 that can format information collected by the sleep trackingdevice 100 in a format that can be transmitted by the input/outputmodule 102, and one or more biometric sensors 106. The biometric sensors106 can include, without limitation, a heartrate sensor, a breath ratesensor, a body temperature sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a sleepsensor, or other biometric sensor.

The sleep tracking device 100 further includes a user display 108 fordisplaying information collected by the one or more biometric sensors106, or received by the sleep tracking device 100 via input/outputmodule 102. For instance, the user display 108 can display feedback orinstructions from a monitoring entity that monitors the wearer's sleepstatus remotely. The user display 108 can also display real-time datasuch as time, location, task or task status, or the like. The sleeptracking device 100 can further include an accelerometer 110 formonitoring acceleration and movement of the wearer of the sleep trackingdevice 100. The sleep tracking device 100 further includes a logicprocessing unit 112 for processing information collected by the sleeptracking device 100 via the one or more biometric sensors 106, or fromthe input/output module 102, or even the user display 108 (if thedisplay also functions as a touch-sensitive input device). The sleeptracking device 100 may include a battery 114 or other power source. Allof the above components of the sleep tracking device 100 can be housedin a housing 101, which can take any of a number of forms.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a sleep tracking system 200. The system 200includes one or more wearable devices 206, as substantially describedabove, which are in communication with a mobile device 204 and/orindustry computing console 208. The industry computing console 208 canbe programmed with logic to process and manage data to and from thewearable devices 206. The mobile device 204 can be associated with awearer of the wearable device 206. In some implementations,communication can be executed through the internet 202, although othercommunication mediums can be utilized.

The system 200 further includes user devices 210, such as any number ofcomputing devices used by the wearer or other employees or customersassociated with the wearer, and manager devices 212. The manager devices212 can include any number of computing devices that are pre-programmedwith logic to assist a manager to monitor the activity of a wearer, suchas described below. The system 200 further includes a central server 214that can store some or all of the data accumulated or transmitted by thevarious computing devices or wearable devices of the system 200.

The systems and methods described herein can assure that the metrics andvalues represented by a device assigned to a particular wearer actuallyrepresent the wearer himself/herself rather than another party. Thesesystems and methods provide this chain of custody in a manner that ismanageable, feasible and cost-effective for employers, supervisors andregulatory agencies. Finally, the system and method provide this chainof custody in a manner that minimal disruption, discomfort,inconvenience, and intrusion for truckers and other wearers.

Wearers can self-monitor in order to independently and individually plantravel and rest times, assuring compliance with employer or legallymandated rest times. For instance, long-distance truckers havecomplained that adhering to rest regulations meant sometimes parking inunsafe areas for mandated rest. Planning ahead for primed sleep couldhelp truckers locate safe, geographically optimized destinations forrest if wearable devices were synced with GPS data banks. In thiscontext, supervisors can monitor data remotely from the wearable deviceto identify wearers who are intentionally or unintentionally not meetingrequired rest specifications. Supervisors could intervene as wearersapproach non-compliance, by sending messages or alerts to the wearabledevice or other communication device, to remind wearers to plan forupcoming rests. Supervisors/logistics managers could also integratesleep/rest intervals into route planning and other logistics systems.

Conversely, supervisors could monitor wearer wakefulness. For example,if heart rates, etc. were indicative of oncoming sleepiness in a truckdriver or air traffic controllers, supervisors could intervene viaalerts or other communication to prevent sleep onset. Regulatoryagencies can monitor data depending on desired or legally requiredintervention levels. For example, companies with a record ofnon-compliance, or higher-risk industries, could be monitored moreclosely for non-compliance. Other external agencies, such as researchinstitutions, might partner with employers for monitoring in order toresearch topics related to sleep, rest, safety, etc. and collectrelevant data.

The system functionality could be integrated into logistics planningsoftware so rest periods/downtime can be accommodated as part of thelogistics planning, similar to how load weight and routing are factoredinto route planning Because the wearable can provide real time,objective data on the activities of the wearer, this information can beused to customize any program to the specific behaviors of the wearer.For example, a cognitive behavior program can constantly change andadapt to address the issues that the wearer is experiencing at the time.

The systems and methods described herein offer practical, appealingincentive structures for worker compliance. For instance, in thetrucking context, trucker compensation is often calculated based on afee-mile-structure. To incentivize adoption and compliance for truckers,who may resist sleep or rest that interferes with their ability toquickly log miles, per-mile compensation can be increased. Althoughtruckers completing required rest stops will necessarily be travellingmore slowly, this slower pace will be offset by higher compensationrates for complying with mandated rest stops.

The systems and methods described herein also offer practical, appealingincentive structures for adopting companies. For example, motor vehiclecrashes, including those that involve trucks, result in higher insurancepremiums, wasted fuel (idling time, spilled fuel, etc.) and other costs(15). In some implementations, savings from lower premiums can be passedon as incentives for increasing the trucker mileage payments. Consumers(in this case, insured drivers) may be willing to trade increasedtransparency—via on-board diagnostic systems (OBDs) to track data suchbraking time, speed, etc.—for the possibility of lower insurance rates.Companies and drivers can log onto the system's real-time incentivetracking feature for estimates and real-time calculations on theirprojected discounts/incentives based on adopting the sleep-trackingwearable device chain of custody system.

Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, othermodifications are possible. Other embodiments may be within the scope ofthe following claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: a wearable device having one or morebiometric sensors, each of the one or more biometric sensors to gatherbiological data from a wearer of the wearable device, the wearabledevice further having a computer processor for receiving the biologicaldata from the one or more biometric sensors and generating biometricinformation based on the biological data and according one or morebiometrical algorithms, the biometric information including validationinformation to validate the wearer as a source of the biological datagathered by each of the one or more sensors, the biometric informationfurther including sleep information to provide a sleep profile of thewearer; a transceiver coupled with the wearable device, the transceiverfor transmitting the biometric information as a digital signal to one ormore web servers via a communications network; and a chain of custodyengine associated with the wearable device, the chain of custody engineto provide a chain of custody validation for the biometric informationfrom the wearer to the one or more web servers.
 2. The apparatus inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the wearable device includes a housingto be worn around the wearer's wrist.
 3. The apparatus in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the wearable device further includes a positioningsensor to establish a geographical position of the wearer.
 4. Theapparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wearable devicefurther includes an accelerometer to determine a direction and rate ofspeed of the wearer.
 5. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1,wherein the transceiver is embedded in the wearable device.
 6. Acomputer-implemented method comprising: gathering, by one or morebiological sensors of a wearable device, biological data from a wearerof the wearable device; generating biometric information by a computerprocessor of the wearable device based on the biological data andaccording one or more biometrical algorithms, the biometric informationincluding validation information to validate the wearer as a source ofthe biological data gathered by each of the one or more sensors, thebiometric information further including sleep information to provide asleep profile of the wearer; transmitting, by a transceiver coupled withthe wearable device, the biometric information to one or more webservers via a communications network; and maintaining, by the computerprocessor, a chain of custody of the biometric information from thewearer to the one or more web servers.